Opt 4: FQ2 - Planning to avoid overtraining

Question 1

What causes an athlete to suffer from chronic training stress?

Answer 1

poor scheduling or high levels of dedication that leads to performance deterioration

Question 2

What is overtraining?

Answer 2

overtraining is a physiological and psychological condition caused by training loads that are too demanding.

Question 3

How does overtraining develop?

Answer 3

it develops when athletes are put into high intensity training practices when they are in a stage of fatigue, and does not allow for proper rest periods.

Question 4

How is overtraining recognised?

Answer 4

Athletes become unmotivated, sometimes recognised as staleness, and they develop a lack of enthusiasm for their performances.
Poorer performances, increased RHR, higher blood lactate levels and insomnia.

Question 5

How does the amount and intensity of training impact an athlete?

Answer 5

If the athlete is working at an amount and intensity too high for their ability, they may burn out and develop overtraining condition.

Question 6

What influences training thresholds?

Answer 6

Personal factors, medical conditions, sleep (quality and quantity), drugs, nutrition, environmental stress and individuals general health.

Question 7

How is optimal performance attained?`

Answer 7

Optimal performance is attained through a produt of training balance, periodised recovery, variety, and individual differences.

Question 8

How can over training be avoided?

Answer 8

By establishing appropriate amounts and intensity in periodisation charts.

Question 9

Intensity should vary from…

Answer 9

Activity to activity, and session to session.

Question 10

Volume and amount can be varied by…

Answer 10

manipulating frequency and duration of sessions.

Question 11

What are the 2 physiological considerations to avoid overtraining?

Answer 11

Lethargy and injury

Question 12

What is lethargy?

Answer 12

Lethargy is a feeling of slowness, tiredness and lack of energy, usually seen in athletes as a result of excessive training volume and intensity without sufficient relaxation and rest periods.

Question 13

How does lethargy affect performance?

Answer 13

Athletes in a state of lethargy do not train or perform to the best of their ability which leads to a gradual deterioration in performance. Concentration and focusing skills are diminished, and simple tasks seem difficult.

Question 14

How does injury affect performance?

Answer 14

• Injury can implement the principle of reversibility depending on the extent and seriousness of the injury preventing them from being able to continue trainings.
• If they are unable to manage training and conditioning, gains in cardio-respiratory endurance, strength and power are lost.
• Match practice and experience is also effected.

Question 15

How does injury occur?

Answer 15

Poor warm-up
Accidents
Excessive load

Question 16

How can athletes minimise risk of injury?

Answer 16

taping, using protective equipment, balanced periodisation plans.

Question 17

What is the psychological consideration to avoid overtraining?

Answer 17

motivation (and lack of)

Question 18

Symptoms of loss of motivation/ enthusiasm

Answer 18

• increased nervousness
• poor concentration
• irritability
• anger
• emotional sensitivity
• depression

Question 19

Strategies used to improve mental wellness of athletes suffering from overtraining

Answer 19

• reduction or cessation of training
• active rest
• relaxation of techniques
• change of routine and environment
• replace pressure with positive reinforcement

Question 20

How can over training be prevented?

Answer 20

By not exceeding an athletes stress tolerance, and adapting the volume and intensity to each individual.

Question 21

When physical stability is threatened…

Answer 21

emotional factors have a great effect on health and wellbeing, resulting in a loss of motivation, enthusiasm for training and competitive desire.